The holiday season is upon us, and if you're a parent with school-aged children at home, you might be wondering how to navigate these precious days without turning them into a chaotic blur of pyjama-clad madness. Fear not! In this post, we'll explore the art of organising school-aged kids during the holidays, ensuring a harmonious blend of fun, productivity, and sanity for both you and your little ones.

Setting Expectations for a Smooth Holiday Period

When the kids were little, at the start of the holiday break, my family would gather around for an early chat about expectations. It's crucial to align everyone's goals and needs, creating a shared understanding of how we'll spend our time together. Without a plan, it's easy for the days to slip away in a haze of unstructured play. So, we decided to establish a rough daily schedule, leveraging the familiarity of the school routine to bring order to the holidays.

Building a Basic Daily Schedule

For young kids our daily schedule revolved around simplicity and flexibility. Here's a breakdown of our typical day when they were in primary:

External Chores and Playtime

We kick off each day with some outdoor chores to get the blood flowing. Afterward, it's time for solidary play—activities like coloring, reading, or playing—that provide the kids with their space while allowing me to tackle some paperwork and maintain my sanity.

Lunch and Fun Time

A well-deserved break for lunch precedes our designated 'fun time.' This could include anything from swimming and outings to playing ball or solving puzzles. During this period, I make a conscious effort to be fully present and give my children my undivided attention.

Afternoon Chores and Decluttering

Post-fun activities, we engage in some light home chores and decluttering sessions. It's the perfect opportunity to organise wardrobes, toys, and tackle pending paperwork—a productive way to transition between different school terms.

Relaxation and Enjoyment

The remainder of the day is dedicated to unwinding and embracing the summer vibes. Whether it's a lazy afternoon in the backyard or a spontaneous adventure, this time allows us to savor the holiday spirit without feeling rushed.

Our Daily Goals for a Structured Holiday

In essence, our daily goals remain consistent.

Get Dressed and Ready to Go Out: This helps maintain a sense of routine, even on the most relaxed days.

Solidary Play for Mum's Sanity: Allocating time for independent play ensures that both kids and parents get the space they need.

Fun Time Chosen by the Kids: Allowing the children to pick their preferred activities fosters a sense of autonomy and excitement.

Household Chores: A little daily organisation keeps the household running smoothly, even during the holidays.

Flexibility and Structure, striking the Right Balance

While our daily routine provided a framework, it's important to acknowledge that not every day is the same. Work commitments persist, and the order of activities can be adjusted. Regardless of the variations, these daily rituals act as anchors, providing structure, purpose, and a recipe for a win-win holiday period for both children and parents alike.

By establishing a simple yet effective daily schedule, you can ensure that the holiday season is not only enjoyable for your school-aged kids but also provides you with the balance and structure needed to make the most of this special time together. As the kids grow up, you’ll change or adapt the holiday schedule. Overtime, everyone will have more freedom and autonomy.

If you are still in the trenches with little kids, I hope these tips have helped, happy school holidays for now.

Note: part of this article was originally an Illawarra mercury article updated and refreshed in 2023